JLR Aims to Build EVs in England

Jaguar Land Rover Ltd. has arranged for Magna Steyr to assemble its first all-electric model in Austria about one year from now. But the company says it wants to establish its own capacity to make further electrified vehicles in the U.K.

Doing so could create about 10,000 new jobs around JLR’s headquarters in Coventry by 2020, the area’s economic development agency tells Bloomberg News. Another 2,500 positions would be relocated from elsewhere in England, and the expansion could lead to 50,000 or more jobs in the automotive supply chain.

But JLR says much will hinge on government investment in infrastructure to support EVs, including charging facilities and additional electrical generating capacity. CEO Ralf Speth told political and industry leaders last week the country should add 12-15 gigawatts of capacity, the equivalent to four power stations.

JLR also would need some £600 million ($747 million) in private investment, the Financial Times says.

Last week the U.K. announced a five-year, £390 million ($486 million) funding program to support ultra-low-emission vehicles. The plan includes £80 million ($100 million) for EV charging facilities.